According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 14 million adults abuse alcohol. In addition, over 3 million teenagers, age 14-17 have an alcohol abuse problem. Alcohol is by far the most commonly abused drug in the United States, which is why there are alcohol detox centers in Florida.
Over an extended period of time, alcohol abuse causes the body to develop a dependence on alcohol. When you attempt to stop drinking alcohol, this physical and psychological dependency leads to withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms can be severe and depending on the extent of dependency, even deadly. For this reason, if are trying to end your dependency on alcohol, find detox centers for alcohol, to provide the medical and psychological support you need.
Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol is one of the most abused drugs in the world, second only to heroin. It is a central nervous system depressant. Alcohol produces a sense of increased self-confidence and euphoria. Alcohol also influences the pleasure and reward system of the brain, a section of the brain including the ventral tegmental area (VTA), the nucleus accumbens and the cerebral cortex, all centrally located in the brain.
The reward center produces neurotransmitters such as dopamine in response to activities such as sex, exercise, and eating. These neurotransmitters produce a pleasurable sensation which can help to build positive habits. In the case of drug and alcohol abuse however, the reward center is hijacked, the pleasurable feeling, associated with alcohol, heroin, and other drugs. The human body also builds resistance to alcohol in a process called tolerance, where a greater dose is required to produce the same sensation of euphoria.
The combination of the reward center stimulation and tolerance makes alcohol highly addictive. Alcohol is also relatively easy to acquire and can be fermented from readily accessible fruits and vegetables. It is also socially acceptable and even encouraged in some cases.
Alcohol Detox
Long term alcohol abuse leads to changes in the brain and body. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. The body attempts to counteract it by remaining in a more wakeful state. Once you attempt to withdraw from alcohol, the human body is still in a keyed-up state, producing the symptoms of withdrawal.
Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to serious. In severe cases, withdrawal symptoms may even prove deadly. Withdrawal symptoms can take effect within hours after you stop drinking alcohol. Symptoms may include:
- Anxiety
- Nausea/vomiting
- Insomnia
In severe cases, patients may even experience hallucinations, seizures and even delirium tremens (DT). DT symptoms occur in 5% of cases and include:
- Confusion
- Fever
- Racing heart and high blood pressure.
- Coma and death
Withdrawal symptoms can be treated with benzodiazepines to treat symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. For these reasons, severe alcohol abuse may require the services of a Florida Alcohol Detox Program.
Finding Alcohol Detox Centers in Florida
If you or someone you love is suffering from alcohol abuse, find an alcohol detox center for alcohol addiction help in Fort Lauderdale Florida that offers withdrawal management and counseling. Call someone today and find help at alcohol detox centers in Florida.